Tuesday, 20 July 2010

Sport.co.uk understands that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering a possible offer for Japanese international Keisuke Honda. Liverpool, however, who were previously linked with the player are yet to make any contact with the attacker's representatives.

The 24-year-old CSKA Moscow striker has been subject of intense speculation since his successful World Cup campaign with Japan although thus far no formal bids have been launched.

The Japanese international started his career at Gamba Osaka, the same club as former Arsenal player Junichi Inamoto, before moving onto Nagoya Grampus Eight, the club from whom Arsene Wenger joined the Gunners in 1996.

Moving to Russia in January, the player's star has continued to rise with agent Kees Ploegsma revealing to Sport.co.uk:

“A few clubs have contacted me about the situation and asked me questions about Keisuke but no club has made a serious offer for him. No one has contacted the club to make a formal offer.

Responding to suggestions that Arsenal and LIverpool were leading the chase, Ploegsma stressed:

“Liverpool have not been in contact regarding him.”

Asked if Arsene Wenger's praise of the player at the World Cup would leed to any movement on the part of the Arsenal coaching hierarchy, the representative continued:

“I don’t know yet. There are several clubs interested but so far nothing has happened regarding a formal offer.

"I don’t know if CSKA Moscow will let him leave, or what sort of money they will be asking. Discussions will take place when a club makes a formal offer for the player.”